Alu vs Copper Brass rad? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Hit Man X · #1 08-15-2006, 09:12 AM

I ordered the wrong rad for my SD here recently and I now have a copper brass in my hands... should I just stick it in and run it or return it and pick up the aluminum one?

rs899 · #2 08-15-2006, 09:26 AM

If it were me ( and its ALL brass- no plastic?) I would be a very happy camper. In theory, anyway. But that would mean it isn't a Behr, most likely, so the question is , is it spec'd properly for your car?

P.E.Haiges · #3 08-15-2006, 10:35 AM

Hitman,

I would be ver happy if I could find a copper/brass radiator that fit my 126 MB. You should be too.

Does the one you got fit?

P E H

fastpakr · #4 08-15-2006, 10:45 AM

Isn't the heat transfer capability significantly greater for an aluminum core unit, though?

Hit Man X · #5 08-15-2006, 10:49 AM

Just the end tanks are plastic, doesn't bother me one bit.

Yes it's the correct one for my 300SD.

P.E.Haiges - shoot me your mailing addy, and I'll get you that fog lens out too!

BF_JC230 · #6 08-15-2006, 11:02 AM

I LOVE my Aluminum one from WizardCooling...
Jake

rs899 · #7 08-15-2006, 11:34 AM

Still plastic end tanks? Too bad. I love the one on my W116 300SD. All brass/copper- no plastic. It will go the distance. I wonder if it would fit a W126- probably not.

Kestas · #8 08-15-2006, 12:01 PM

Yes, heat transfer with copper/brass is greater than with aluminum. That, and you can give it a backyard patch repair with solder, should you ever need that. Count yourself lucky.

fastpakr · #9 08-15-2006, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kestas

Yes, heat transfer with copper/brass is greater than with aluminum. That, and you can give it a backyard patch repair with solder, should you ever need that. Count yourself lucky.

No, that's backwards. Aluminum has always been the material of choice for racing applications and large displacement/forced air motor swaps. Heat transfer should be significantly greater for aluminum, not brass.

Kestas · #10 08-15-2006, 01:27 PM

For brass, yes. But not for copper. Copper is superior for thermal conductivity. It allows designers to make smaller heat exchangers in tight modern automotive architecture for the same thermal requirements. This is according to the copper association.

Racers probably use aluminum because it's lighter.

Here's more than you ever want to know about copper radiator technology:
Copper Brass Radiators

Old300D · #11 08-15-2006, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kestas

For brass, yes. But not for copper. Copper is superior for thermal conductivity. It allows designers to make smaller heat exchangers in tight modern automotive architecture for the same thermal requirements. This is according to the copper association.

Racers probably use aluminum because it's lighter.

Yes.